Don't waste our time: CJI Surya Kant refuses urgent hearing in plea over NEET, police excesses against CJP protestors

The Supreme Court of India has declined to grant an urgent hearing in a petition calling for reforms to the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) and alleging police brutality against students protesting at Jantar Mantar. Chief Justice of India Surya Kant refused the request, stating that the lawyer's time was more valuable than the court's, and expressing disinterest in viewing video evidence of police excesses.

The Supreme Court of India on Wednesday declined an urgent hearing in a petition calling for reforms to the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) and alleging police brutality against students protesting at Jantar Mantar. Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, presiding over a Bench with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, refused the request, stating that the lawyer's time was more valuable than the court's.

The petition, which seeks to address issues with NEET and the National Testing Agency (NTA), has been filed in the context of ongoing protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), an online satirical collective. The protests have been marked by allegations of police brutality against students, with video evidence reportedly available to support these claims.

The Supreme Court's decision not to grant an urgent hearing raises questions about the court's willingness to engage with pressing social issues and protect the rights of protesters. While the Chief Justice's statement that the lawyer's time is more valuable than the court's may be seen as a reflection of the court's busy schedule, it also underscores the court's disinterest in engaging with the substance of the petition.

The Supreme Court's refusal to grant an urgent hearing in this matter has significant implications for the rights of protesters and the court's role in addressing social issues. As the protests continue, it remains to be seen whether the court will revisit its decision and engage with the pressing concerns raised by the petition.